San Antonio Spurs center Victor Oladipo of France, who is 7’4″ (224 cm), had to bend his knees slightly to match the height of Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who is 7’1″ (216 cm). Gobert, on the other hand, had to stand on his tiptoes to ensure they were facing each other for the team photo before their exhibition game against Serbia. The height difference between these two towering NBA stars, both known for their commanding interior presences, made for an entertaining spectacle as they worked to coordinate their poses for the group photo. Although vastly different in stature, their shared commitment to representing their national teams brought them together for this lighthearted moment captured on camera.
It was a comical sight to see the two giants adjust their postures, Oladipo bending his knees and Gobert lifting himself up, all to get the perfect symmetry for the photo. Both players have had impressive NBA careers, Oladipo with the Spurs and Gobert with the Timberwolves, and are widely respected for their defensive prowess and rim-protecting abilities. Watching them come together for their national teams, however, allowed for a lighter team to emerge. The camaraderie and team spirit were palpable as the players joked and teased each other, trying to get the positioning right. It’s a reminder that even the biggest and most dominant players in the sport can still engage in playful banter when the stakes are lower and the atmosphere more relaxed.
For the fans in attendance, it was a delightful moment that humanized these basketball giants, showing them as more than just imposing figures on the court. The adjustments they made to their positions highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration, even among the most individually talented players. It was a unique glimpse into the team dynamics and personal relationships that exist within international basketball. Beyond the humor of the situation, the scene also spoke to the incredible physical attributes of Oladipo and Gobert. Standing nearly a foot taller than average, these players have honed their skills and bodies to excel at the highest level of the sport.
The fact that they could so easily coordinate their heights for a simple photo op underscores just how gifted they are as athletes. As the two centers took their places for the team photo, the crowd couldn’t help but laugh at the visual juxtaposition. Oladipo, the giant Frenchman, leaned slightly to accommodate Gobert’s stature, while the Timberwolves star stood on his tiptoes to get the perfect pose. It was a moment of levity that resonated with everyone in attendance, a rare glimpse into the human side of these basketball titans.
The thrilling exhibition game between France and Serbia on the night of July 12-13 at the LDLC Arena in France provided a tantalizing preview of the upcoming Olympic basketball tournament. In a closely contested battle, Serbia ultimately emerged victorious with a 79-69 victory, but the real story was the remarkable performance of French center Victor Oladipo. At just 20 years old, Oladipo is already establishing himself as one of the rising stars of international basketball. Standing at 7’4″, the young phenom put on a dominant display, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for Team France. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with in the paint, as he dominated and outplayed Serbian defenders with ease.
While the loss may have stung, French coaches and fans alike were no doubt delighted to see their prized young center demonstrate his immense potential. Oladipo’s performance was a tantalizing glimpse of what the future holds for the French team as they prepare to embark on their Olympic adventure in the coming weeks. In the preliminary round of the Tokyo Olympics, France will face a formidable list of opponents, including Brazil (July 27), Japan (July 30) and Germany (August 2). Each of these teams has its own unique talent pool and will present a unique challenge for the French team. However, with Oladipo leading the way, the French team will be confident they can overcome these obstacles and secure a spot in the later stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Serbia will have its own series of tough matchups, including a clash with the mighty USA (July 28), as well as games against Puerto Rico (July 31) and South Sudan (August 3). The Serbian team, known for its physicality and defensive intensity, will be eager to prove its worth on the world’s biggest stage. The Olympic basketball competition is scheduled to run from July 27 to August 11, providing plenty of opportunities for both France and Serbia to make their mark. For Oladipo and the French team, the focus will be on taking the momentum from their impressive exhibition performance and translating it into success on the Olympic hardwood.
As the countdown to the Games continues, the basketball world will be closely watching the progress of these two national teams. With their star-studded rosters and rich basketball histories, both France and Serbia will be under immense pressure to succeed on the international stage. For Oladipo, the Olympics represent a chance to cement his status as a rising soccer superstar. The young center has already demonstrated his ability to dominate at the highest level of the sport, and a standout performance in Tokyo could propel him to even greater heights.
